As the days passed, Bettina settle into the rhythm of life in Erich's mansion. Despite the cold atmosphere, she couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards her host. Erich went out of his way to ensure she had everything she needed, from her favorite books to her favorite foods.
One day, while she was still recovering, Bettina decided to try out a new recipe in the kitchen. She was covered in flour, and her hair was tied up in a messy bun. Erich walked into the kitchen, and for a moment, he just stared at her. Then, he couldn't help but laugh.
"what are you doing?"
He asked, his eyes crinkling at the corners. Bettina looked up, a smudge of flour on her cheek.
"I'm making pancakes",
She said, her voice muffled by the mixing of the bowl. Erich chuckled, the sound surprising even himself.
"I think you need some help",
He said walking over to her. As they cooked together, Bettina's laughter filled the kitchen, and Erich found himself smiling more and more. For the first time in centuries, he felt...alive.
That very afternoon, Bettina was in the garden, trying to pot a small plant that had been bothering her for days. She was determined to get it right, but the soil kept falling off the pot. Erich walked into the garden, his eyes scanned the area until they landed on Bettina. He walked up to her and said,
"need some help with that?"
Erich asked, his voice low and amused. Bettina looked up, a bit startled by his sudden presence.
"No, I have got it, I can handle it",
She said, her voice determined. Erich raised an eyebrow, looking down at her,
"you're getting more dirt on yourself than on the pot", he pointed out. Bettina looked down and giggled.
"okay, maybe I need some help".
Together, they worked on potting the plant. Erich showed her the right way to hold the pot, and Bettina couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment when they finally got it right. As they stood up, Erich brushed some dirt off her cheek, his fingers grazing her skin. Bettina felt a shiver run down her spine. "Thanks", she said her voice barely a whisper.
Erich's eyes locked onto hers and for a moment, they just stared at each other. Then, Erich smiled, and Bettina's heart skipped a beat.
As the days went by, Bettina found herself looking forward to seeing Erich more and more. She would catch him watching her, a small smile on his face, which makes Bettina feel her heart flutter.
One day after Bettina and Erich were done with their breakfast, Bettina stayed with Erich in the living room and told him,
"I have to start going back to work and school. I have exams coming up and I need to focus". Erich expression turned serious.
"you don't need to work", he said.
"I will take care of you, you just focus on your studies". Bettina felt a surge of reluctance. "I don't want to be a burden", she said. "it's not a burden", Erich replied. "I want to help you. You can focus on your studies and I will take care of everything else".
It was a beautiful morning, Bettina was excited because she was going back to school that morning, she couldn't wait to see her friends and she was ready to dive back to school. Bettina walked out of the mansion, feeling a sense of excitement, and nervousness. She was finally going back to school.
Erich was waiting for her by the car, a sleek black Lamborghini Ayentador, parked in the driveway. As she walked towards the car, Erich couldn't help but notice the way she looked, she wore a fitted white blouse with a subtle floral pattern, paired a flowy black skirt that fell just above her knees. The outfit was both elegant and casual, perfect for a day at the university. Her long, dark hair was tied up in a neat bun, with a few loose strands framing her face. A simple silver necklace with a small pendant rested against her throat, adding a touch of sophistication to her overall look.
Her makeup was natural and understated, with a subtle glow on her cheeks and a light coat of lip balm. On her feet she wore a pair of comfortable black loafers, polished to perfection. Her bag, a sturdy black backpack, was slung over her shoulder, filled with books and notes for the day's classes.
"Good morning", he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I thought you might like a ride to school". Bettina's eyes widened as she looked at the car. "Erich, this is...wow". Erich smiled. "I'm glad you like it. My driver Frank, will take you to school".
Bettina felt a bit overwhelmed, but she thanked Erich and got into the car. As they drove to school, she couldn't help but feel like a celebrity. The car drew a lot of attention, and people stared as they drove by.
When they arrived at the school, Bettina felt a bit shy as she stepped out of the car. Everyone was staring, and she could feel their eyes on her. She waved goodbye to Frank and made her way towards her friends who were waiting for her by the entrance.
"oh my god, Bettina, what is going on?"
Her friend Lena asked, her eyes wide with excitement. "you're riding around in a lambo? What's the deal?" Bettina laughed and rolled her eyes. "it's a not mine, okay? Erich lent it to me". lena's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Erich, huh? You mean the Erich who's been taking care of you? Spill the tea girl!" Bettina blushed and playfully hit Lena's arm. "Nothing is going on, okay? He's just being nice. He's letting me stay with him, and he's helping me out financially. That's all". Lena raised an eyebrow. "Girl, that man is fine, rich and interested. I don't believe you". Bettina laughed and shook her head. "I'm telling you it's not like that. He's just being kind". With that, Lena didn't argue more, they proceeded for the class they were having that morning.
Meanwhile at the mansion, as soon as Bettina left for school, Erich couldn't shake off the feeling of emptiness in the mansion. He wondered around the empty halls, feeling like a part of him was missing. He found himself walking to her room, drawn to the scent of her perfume and the memory of her smile.
As he entered her room, he was surrounded by her things, her books, her clothes, her hairbrush, he picked up the hairbrush feeling a pang of tenderness. He couldn't believe how much he had grown to love the little things about her, the way she smiled when she was reading, the way her hair fell in loose waves down her back.
He took in a deep breath, feeling a sense of calm wash over him. He hadn't realized how much he had grown accustomed to her presence, until she was gone.
As he looked around the room he notices the little things she had added to the room, to make it her own the flowers on the bedside table, the books stacked haphazardly on the desk. He felt a pang in his chest, a feeling he couldn't quite identify.
He walked over to her closet, running his fingers over the clothes she had hung up. The soft fabrics, the delicate patterns, the way they scent like her. He felt a sense of longing wash over him, a sense of connection he hadn't felt in centuries.
And then, it hit him, the realization that he was in love with her. The feeling was like a tidal wave, crashing over him and leaving him breathless. He felt like he was drowning in it, unable to escape the intensity of his emotions.
Erich stood there, frozen in shock, as the truth washed over him. He had been alone for so long, wandering the earth without purpose or passion. But Bettina had changed everything. She had brought light into his darkness, warmth into his cold heart.
As he stood there, trying to process his feelings, Erich knew he had to see her. He couldn't wait for her to come back home. He had to go to her, to be near her.